US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to hold high-level talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday as Washington and Rome attempt to contain growing tensions over.
The ongoing Iran conflict, trade disputes and wider trans-Atlantic disagreements. Rubio’s meetings in Rome come amid strains between the United States and several European allies following President Donald Trump’s criticism of European governments for refusing to support the war effort against Iran more aggressively. Trump’s tariff threats and remarks targeting Pope Leo XIV have further complicated ties with Italy, traditionally considered one of Washington’s closest European partners.
During his visit, Rubio is also expected to meet Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Italian leaders are likely to use the discussions to defend Rome’s strategic alliance with the US while resisting pressure to become directly involved in the Iran conflict.
Meloni has openly described the war as “illegal” and criticised Trump’s comments about the pope as “unacceptable.” Trump, in turn, accused the Italian leader of lacking resolve and suggested her stance had weakened cooperation between the two governments. Once regarded as one of Trump’s strongest allies in Europe, Meloni now faces an increasingly strained relationship with Washington.
Italy has maintained its opposition to direct participation in the conflict and insists any use of Italian military bases for offensive operations would require parliamentary approval. The issue gained attention in March when Rome reportedly refused permission for US bombers heading toward the Middle East to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily without formal authorisation.
The dispute has raised concerns about future defence cooperation between the NATO allies. The US recently announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, while Trump has also threatened troop reductions in Italy and Spain because of their position on the war.
Italian officials fear such moves could affect NATO’s military posture across southern Europe, particularly because Italy serves as a major logistics hub for operations in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East.
The conflict has also created domestic and economic challenges for Meloni. Rising energy costs linked to instability around the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over possible US tariffs have added pressure on Italy’s economy. Meloni is additionally dealing with political setbacks at home after a referendum defeat earlier this year and increasing public opposition to the war.
Before meeting Meloni, Rubio held lengthy talks at the Vatican City with Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin. According to US officials, the discussions focused on efforts to secure lasting peace in the Middle East and reaffirmed strong ties between Washington and the Holy See.
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